Grady Sullivan prays during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.

Grady Sullivan prays during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.

Photo: The Courier

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Laura Perez receives an ash cross on her forehead during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Laura Perez receives an ash cross on her forehead during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Photo: The Courier

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Grady Sullivan prays during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, reflection and repentance observed by Catholics.

Grady Sullivan prays during an Ash Wednesday service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, reflection and repentance observed by

Aidan Moorman receives an ash cross on his forehead from Father Tom Rafferty during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands.

Aidan Moorman receives an ash cross on his forehead from Father Tom Rafferty during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands.

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Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent, celebrated

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Christians throughout Montgomery County and around the world attended special Ash Wednesday services at churches and sanctuaries to observe the beginning of Lent.

The religious holy day marks the first day of Lent, occurring 40 days — plus six Sundays — before Easter. The day derives its name from the practice of Christians placing ashes on their foreheads as a reminder of mortality and a tribute to faith.

“It’s a way to show your faith publicly,” said Marie Gonzalez, of Conroe. “It’s a tradition that reminds us we must be humble servants to God.”

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According to scripture, Christ spent 40 days of fasting in the desert, where he endured various temptations. During Lent, it is common for Christians to deny themselves something they otherwise enjoy as a demonstration of their resolve and dedication to faith.

“Ash Wednesday is a time to renew one’s relationship with Jesus,” said Father Philip Wilhite, of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. “For Catholic Christians, it’s a time of repentance and spiritual retreat.”

Like many churches, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 109 N. Frazier St. in Conroe, held multiple services throughout the day Wednesday to celebrate the start of Lent and the Easter season.

The ashes for the ceremony come from the burning of palm leaves used in the Easter service the prior year.

Catholics in particular have special cause to observe the holiday as the leader of the church, Pope Benedict XVI, has announced his plans to step down from the papacy at the end of the month. Ash Wednesday is the last major religious event that will occur before he ends his reign as pope - citing age and health issues for his decision to end his role as leader of the Catholic faith.

While admitting admiration for the more charismatic Pope John Paul II, Gonzalez said she had great respect for Pope Benedict XVI and his principles. She said the announcement of his retirement was a surprise to her and other parishioners.

“There was no indication something like this would happen,” she said. “I don’t know if something like this has ever happened before.”

It has, but not for a long time. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in the year 1415.

Wilhite acknowledged there was interest and speculation on the Internet about who might succeed Pope Benedict XVI. He said local parishioners were surprised by the pope’s decision to retire because it is not something that has happened in their lifetimes.

“It’s human nature to be interested and curious about the possibilities,” he said. “The pope’s message is that a leader must be strong in mind and body and he felt it was time for a change. We respect and support him for that.”